In the News

March 14, 2016 – The Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity announced today that a number of additional members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed on in support of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015 (THIA) in recent weeks. Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Duncan D. Hunter (R-CA), Luke Messer (R-IN), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Chris Collins (R-NY), and Tony Cardenas (D-CA) signed on in the first two months of 2016. THIA now has a total of 25 cosponsors, demonstrating the growing momentum of support for the horse racing medication reform bill.
“I’m grateful for the members of Congress from both parties who have stepped forward to support the goals of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act,” said Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), co-author of THIA. “Achieving this milestone is evidence of the growing support for uniform medication standards which will enhance the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred horseracing in America.”
“I am energized to see this critical, bipartisan legislation approach 25 cosponsors,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), fellow co-author of THIA, “and I look forward to working with Congressman Barr to push this closer to the finish line. I am pleased to report that New York has 7 co-sponsors of H.R. 3084, the most of any state. I will also continue to stress the importance of this legislation to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and advocate for a hearing on this issue.”
Tonko continued, “As I travel throughout New York's Capital Region, home to the famed Saratoga Race Course, constituents everywhere are enthusiastic about this potential for this legislation to reinvigorate the sport of kings. Last August, during the Saratoga meet, I had the opportunity to provide the keynote address at the Saratoga Institute on Equine, Racing & Gaming Law Conference, where I made the case that implementing uniform rules and enhancing respect for our equine athletes are essential elements to improve the image of the sport for today's discerning fans.”
THIA, or H.R.3084, is the only legislative proposal with active support across the diverse stakeholders that make up America’s horse racing community. Signing on form both sides of the aisle, these new cosponsors also signify the widespread bipartisan support THIA continues to gain on Capitol Hill.
In supporting THIA, the representatives join House co-authors Andy Barr (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) as well as cosponsors Richard Hanna (R-NY), David Jolly (R-FL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), David Joyce (R-OH), Jerold Nadler (D-NY), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Mark Takano (D-CA), and James Himes (D-CT).
The Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity supports the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015, which would authorize an independent, racing-specific, non-governmental and non-profit organization to create uniform, high standards in drug and medication testing and enforcement for Thoroughbred horse racing.
The Coalition’s membership includes major racing organizations, animal welfare groups, racing and wagering facilities and a grassroots organization with over 1,200 owners, trainers, breeders, and racing professionals.
Additional information, including a list of coalition members, stories from supporters and ways to contact Congress to express support for this legislation, is available at www.horseracingintegrity.com.